Chico exempts noncommercial (including political/campaign) signs on residential property from sign approval under CMC §19.74.060, provided each sign is ≤4 sq ft in area. Height is capped at 3 ft inside required setbacks or sight-distance areas, 6 ft outside them. No state-mandated election display window is added by the city — California Elections Code framework allows display from 90 days before through 10 days after the election on public ROW. Signs may not be posted on utility poles, street signs, traffic devices, medians, or trees per CMC §19.74.110.
Per Chico Municipal Code §19.74.060 (Exemptions from sign approval), noncommercial signs on residential property up to 4 square feet in area do not require sign approval. Such signs are limited to 3 feet in height if located in a required setback or sight-distance area, or 6 feet in height if outside those areas. Campaign signs fall under the noncommercial sign category and inherit these limits. Under CMC §19.74.110 (General provisions for all signs), it is unlawful to attach signs to street signs, light poles, traffic signal devices, utility poles, or trees, and signs may not be placed on public property such as medians, bus stops, or public setbacks. On state highways and freeways within Chico, Caltrans rules govern: Outdoor Advertising Act §5405.3 permits temporary political signs up to 32 sq ft, posted no earlier than 90 days before the election and removed within 10 days after, and they may not be in the ROW or within 660 feet of a landscaped freeway. For private rental property, Civil Code §1940.4 protects tenants' right to post political signs.
Sign exceeds 4 sq ft on residential property (loses exemption); attaching signs to utility poles, traffic devices, or trees; placement in public ROW, medians, or sight-distance triangle; failure to remove signs from state highway ROW within 10 days post-election. Code Enforcement may remove signs from public property without notice; civil penalties for violations of CMC §19.74 follow Chico's general administrative citation schedule.
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